Gemotions

He was halfway through a complex software update at work when the notification appeared. “Friend Request: Ashley Chen.” Mark's hands, usually steady and precise on the keyboard, froze. His breath caught in his throat. Ashley, the girl who had orchestrated his social ruin in high school.

He leaned back in his chair, his body rigid. He felt a sudden, profound sense of unease, a cold knot forming in his stomach. The hum of the computer, usually a comforting backdrop, now sounded like a mocking whisper.

He needed to escape. He rose from his desk and headed for the break room, the familiar office environment suddenly feeling alien and hostile. He craved the solitude of his home, where he could hopefully make this feeling go away, even if only for a short time.